Starbucks Stores in the USA – History, Locations, and 2026 Updates
Starbucks has become a big part of American life. It’s not just a place for coffee but also a spot to relax, meet friends, or work. You can find Starbucks in almost every U.S. city or town, easily recognized by its green siren logo. With thousands of stores, Starbucks continues to serve people with good coffee, comfort, and innovation.
History of Starbucks in the USA
Starbucks started in 1971 in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. At first, it only sold coffee beans and equipment. In the 1980s, Howard Schultz joined the company and changed its direction. He wanted Starbucks to feel like Italian coffee bars — a place to enjoy drinks, not just buy beans.
The first stores outside Seattle opened in Chicago and Vancouver. By the 1990s, Starbucks had spread across the country and became a public company in 1992. The Frappuccino, launched in 1995, made it even more popular.
In the 2000s, Starbucks grew quickly but later slowed down to focus on quality and customer experience. From one small shop, it has now become a nationwide brand.
Starbucks Stores in the USA in 2026
By 2026, there are about 17,286 Starbucks stores in 3,834 cities across the United States. These include both company-owned and licensed stores.
Top 10 States with the Most Starbucks Stores
| State | Number of Stores | Percentage of Total | Population | People per Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3,184 | 18% | 39.51M | 12.4K |
| Texas | 1,491 | 9% | 29.00M | 19.4K |
| Florida | 945 | 5% | 21.48M | 22.7K |
| New York | 770 | 4% | 19.45M | 25.2K |
| Illinois | 732 | 4% | 12.67M | 17.3K |
| Washington | 705 | 4% | 7.62M | 10.8K |
| Arizona | 610 | 4% | 7.28M | 11.9K |
| Ohio | 524 | 3% | 11.69M | 22.3K |
| Virginia | 523 | 3% | 8.54M | 16.3K |
| North Carolina | 520 | 3% | 10.49M | 20.1K |
California has the most Starbucks stores, followed by Texas and Florida. Even smaller states like Vermont and Wyoming have at least one.
Areas Without Starbucks
Starbucks is everywhere in the U.S. except for a few territories:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
Cities with the Most Starbucks Stores
| City | State | Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Illinois | 194 |
| New York | New York | 191 |
| Las Vegas | Nevada | 187 |
| Houston | Texas | 168 |
| Los Angeles | California | 155 |
| San Diego | California | 131 |
| Phoenix | Arizona | 121 |
| Dallas | Texas | 94 |
| San Antonio | Texas | 87 |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | 83 |
These cities have the highest number of Starbucks stores and often feature special designs or local themes.
Types of Starbucks Stores in the USA
Starbucks offers different types of stores to fit customer needs:
Standard Cafés
Regular stores with full menus, seating, and Wi-Fi. Many have drive-thrus.
Drive-Thru Only
Quick-service locations for people on the go.
Reserve Stores and Roasteries
Premium stores with unique coffee blends and brewing experiences.
Licensed Stores
Found in airports, hotels, and supermarkets but managed by partners.
Community Stores
Focused on local projects and community engagement.
This mix allows Starbucks to serve everyone — from students to professionals.
Starbucks vs Competitors in 2026
| Brand | Stores | States | Cities | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | 20,378 | 51 | 6,645 | More stores |
| McDonald’s | 13,711 | 54 | 5,083 | Fewer stores |
| Hunt Brothers Pizza | 10,489 | 36 | 4,529 | Fewer stores |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | 9,861 | 45 | 3,363 | Fewer stores |
| Taco Bell | 8,149 | 51 | 3,612 | Fewer stores |
Starbucks has fewer locations than Subway but remains the top coffee brand in the U.S.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Starbucks stores in the USA have an average rating of 4.03 out of 5 from more than 4.7 million reviews.
Top-Rated Stores
| City | State | Address | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | WA | 1124 Pike St | 4.6 |
| Plano | TX | 7600 Windrose Ave | 4.6 |
| Chicago | IL | 646 N Michigan Ave | 4.5 |
| Dallas | TX | 2355 Olive St | 4.6 |
| Goodlettsville | TN | 330 Cartwright St | 4.6 |
Lowest-Rated Stores
| City | State | Address | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | NY | 45 W 4th St | 2.6 |
| Page | AZ | 650 Elm St | 2.7 |
| Miami | FL | 3403 NE 1st Ave | 2.8 |
| Howe | IN | Mile Post 126, I-90 West | 2.5 |
| Framingham | MA | Mass Pike West Svc Area 7W | 2.7 |
What’s New for Starbucks in 2026
In 2026, Starbucks is upgrading over 1,000 stores with better interiors and eco-friendly designs.
It also plans to simplify its menu by 30% to make service faster.
About 150 underperforming stores have been closed, but Starbucks continues to focus on quality, digital orders, and sustainability.
Events like Red Cup Day 2026 and the Bearista Cold Cup launch have also boosted customer excitement.
How to Find Starbucks Stores
You can easily find a Starbucks near you by:
- Using the Starbucks app or official website
- Searching by ZIP code or city
- Filtering for drive-thru or 24-hour stores
- Joining the Starbucks Rewards Program for points and free drinks
- Checking for seasonal specials and new menu items
Starbucks’ Cultural and Economic Role
Starbucks changed how America drinks coffee. It introduced terms like “grande” and “venti” and made cafés a social space between home and work. The company also creates jobs and supports local farmers with sustainable sourcing.
It continues to shape U.S. coffee culture through quality, innovation, and community.
FAQs
There are approximately 17,286 Starbucks stores across all 50 states and territories.
California with 3,184 stores.
Yes — American Samoa, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands.
Cafés, drive-thrus, Reserve stores, community stores, and licensed outlets.
Store renovations, a simpler menu, and more digital and eco-friendly services.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks stores in the USA are more than coffee shops—they are part of daily life. From Seattle’s first store to thousands across the country, Starbucks keeps growing and connecting people with every cup. Check Also: What Happens If You Don’t Meet Starbucks’ 12-Hour Weekly Work Requirement
